Kuwaiti cinemas screen Canadian animated film ‘Time Hoppers: The Silk Road’
Launched officially in over 200 theaters across the Middle East and North Africa in late October, the film marks the first Canadian animated feature to receive a wide regional release and the first full-length animation in the history of Milo Productions.
Kuwaiti cinemas are now screening the family animated film “Time Hoppers: The Silk Road”, produced by Milo Productions Inc. of Canada and distributed by Italia Film, the region’s largest independent distributor and exclusive partner of Marvel, Disney, Pixar, and Lucasfilm.
Launched officially in over 200 theaters across the Middle East and North Africa in late October, the film marks the first Canadian animated feature to receive a wide regional release and the first full-length animation in the history of Milo Productions.
The film takes audiences on a journey along the historic Silk Road, celebrating the scientific and cultural achievements of the Arab and African golden ages.
Through iconic figures such as Al-Khwarizmi, the father of algebra; Ibn Al-Haytham, pioneer of optics; Maryam Al-Asturlabi, inventor and scientist; and Mansa Musa, renowned patron of the arts and sciences, the movie highlights shared human values and the richness of cultural diversity.
Featuring a creative team of Arab, Islamic, and African talents, including Omar Suleiman, Dalia Mogahed, and Omar Regan (known for Rush Hour 2 and Five Thirteen), the film blends entertainment with educational storytelling.
Kuwait hosted a series of special events to celebrate the film, organized in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy and local institutions.
Milo Productions participated in the Kilmitain Forum organized by Khaleejesque, while the Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Tara Scheurwater, hosted a private screening followed by the film’s inclusion in the American International University (AIU) Kuwait International Film Festival, featuring a panel discussion on filmmaking.
In an academic initiative, Milo Productions conducted a workshop titled “Creating Meaningful Stories” at AIU on November 9, under the supervision of Dr. Rami Khair from the Graphic Design Department, with cinema and design students in attendance.
Michael Milo, CEO of Milo Productions, described the release as a “historic moment for Canadian animation,” crediting Canada’s cultural support systems and the encouragement of Canadian embassies worldwide. He added, “Time Hoppers reflects a decade-long dream to share Canadian creativity with the world.”
Writer and director Flordeliza Dairet expressed her pride in presenting the film in Kuwait, calling the country “a regional hub of creativity and excellence.”
She added, “We hope this collaboration marks the beginning of deeper partnerships between Kuwait and Canada in producing meaningful children’s content.”
The film emphasizes the importance of Islamic and Arab history in shaping human civilization, highlighting that Arabs and Muslims deserve to see themselves as heroes on the big screen—a message aimed at boosting confidence and reshaping perceptions.
Dairet also noted that this is the first regional screening, with the Middle East chosen for its historic significance and rich storytelling heritage.
“We want children in this region and around the world to recognize their deep roots and understand how their ancestors contributed to knowledge and civilization,” she said, emphasizing the film’s role in fostering pride and identity.
The film is slated for subsequent releases in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, reaching audiences of Muslims and non-Muslims alike, with the goal of spreading awareness and highlighting Arab and Islamic contributions to global knowledge.
Ambassador Scheurwater expressed her pride in the film’s reception, stating, “We are delighted to see Time Hoppers: The Silk Road showcased at the AIU International Film Festival and to witness the Kuwaiti audience engaging with Canadian creativity. Cultural exchanges like these strengthen the bonds between our countries and demonstrate the power of art and innovation.”
She added, “This film represents a new step in telling global stories through a shared Arab-Canadian vision, helping to build cultural bridges and foster intercultural dialogue.”
